Nursing Home Week is a special time set aside to honor both residents and staff in nursing facilities.
Studies show that celebrations and engaging activities during this week foster stronger relationships, boost morale, and enhance overall well-being for everyone involved.
It is an opportunity to create memorable moments that bring joy, recognition, and a sense of belonging within the nursing home community.
If you manage a nursing home and are planning to celebrate Nursing Home Week, you will want to organize activities that encourage connection, appreciation, and happiness.
From themed events to recognition programs, the week should focus on engaging both residents and staff in ways that highlight their value and contributions.
Best Nursing Home Week Ideas and Activities for Staff and Residents
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Themed Spirit Days
Introduce themed dress-up days such as “Hawaiian Luau,” “Retro Day,” or “Sports Jersey Day.”
Staff and residents can participate by wearing fun outfits and enjoying matching décor and activities.
These themes spark excitement, create laughter, and help break routine. Prizes for the best costumes can add to the enjoyment.
Spirit Days are an easy, cost-effective way to keep everyone involved throughout the week and ensure that each day feels unique, uplifting, and memorable.
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Talent Show
Host a talent show where both staff and residents can showcase their unique skills, singing, dancing, storytelling, playing instruments, or even magic tricks.
This activity provides a platform for self-expression and allows participants to feel celebrated for their individuality.
Residents who may not perform can still enjoy the entertainment and cheer on their peers.
Including staff ensures stronger bonds and creates a supportive, lively environment.
The event can also be recorded or photographed for keepsakes, leaving lasting memories.
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Resident and Staff Recognition Ceremony
Plan a recognition day where staff and residents are honored for their contributions, kindness, and resilience.
Certificates, small gifts, or personalized notes of appreciation can be presented.
Residents can be recognized for milestones such as birthdays, participation in activities, or simply being a source of positivity.
This ceremony boosts morale, fosters gratitude, and reinforces a culture of appreciation within the nursing home.
By celebrating both groups together, you strengthen unity, highlight mutual respect, and ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and motivated to continue contributing positively.
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Intergenerational Day
Invite local schools, youth groups, or families to visit for an intergenerational activity day.
Children can perform songs, read stories, or participate in craft-making alongside residents.
Interactions with younger generations bring joy, energy, and warmth to the nursing home, creating a sense of family for those who may be missing it.
These shared activities foster connections across generations, reduce loneliness, and give young visitors valuable life lessons.
Intergenerational days leave a lasting impact by bridging the age gap and building meaningful, heartwarming experiences for everyone.
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Game Tournament
Organize a game tournament featuring resident-friendly and staff-inclusive options such as bingo, card games, dominoes, trivia, or board games.
Friendly competition keeps minds sharp, encourages teamwork, and boosts social engagement. Create teams of staff and residents to promote collaboration and unity.
Winners can receive small prizes, but the focus should remain on fun and bonding.
A well-planned game tournament creates laughter, excitement, and camaraderie, making it a highlight of Nursing Home Week celebrations.
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Outdoor Picnic and Barbecue
Host an outdoor picnic or barbecue with delicious food, music, and games. Residents and staff can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and a relaxed environment away from daily routines.
Family members can be invited, turning the event into a larger community celebration.
For residents with mobility challenges, shaded seating areas and adaptive games ensure inclusivity.
Sharing meals in an outdoor setting fosters togetherness, enhances moods, and provides a festive break from routine dining.
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Cultural Celebration Day
Dedicate a day to celebrating the diverse cultures represented by staff, residents, or their families.
Activities can include cultural music, traditional clothing, storytelling, and sampling foods from different countries.
Staff and residents can share personal heritage, traditions, or recipes, enriching everyone’s understanding of different backgrounds.
This event promotes inclusivity, respect, and pride while sparking meaningful conversations.
Celebrating cultural diversity helps nursing homes feel more connected, welcoming, and globally aware.
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Memory Lane Day
Organize a “Memory Lane” day where residents are encouraged to share their life stories, favorite memories, or significant milestones.
Family members can provide old photos or memorabilia to create a nostalgic display.
Staff can host storytelling sessions, create memory boards, or even record oral histories to preserve residents’ experiences.
Sharing memories promotes cognitive health, strengthens resident-staff bonds, and validates residents’ identities.
This activity not only honors residents’ lives but also fosters emotional well-being by creating a sense of pride, belonging, and connection.
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Creative Arts and Crafts Fair
Hold a crafts fair where residents can showcase their creativity through painting, knitting, pottery, or other art forms.
Staff can join workshops or assist residents with projects. Completed crafts can be displayed around the nursing home or sold to raise funds for resident activities.
Arts and crafts provide therapeutic benefits, reduce stress, and spark imagination.
The fair also gives residents an outlet for self-expression and achievement.
A creative fair transforms ordinary days into celebrations of talent, leaving behind lasting artworks that reflect joy, skill, and community pride.
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Live Music and Dance Party
Music therapy is known to lift moods, trigger positive memories, and promote movement.
Add a dance component where those able can join in, while others can clap along or simply enjoy the rhythm. Themes such as “Swing Night” or “Country Western” can add excitement.
Staff dancing with residents makes the event more engaging and inclusive.
Live music creates a vibrant atmosphere, encouraging everyone to relax, smile, and connect.
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Cooking and Baking Day
Plan a cooking or baking session where residents and staff collaborate on favorite recipes.
Simple dishes like cookies, pies, or sandwiches are easy for residents to participate in.
Staff can assist with preparation, and the finished foods can be shared during a communal meal or party.
This activity allows residents to showcase their culinary skills while learning new recipes.
Cooking together creates joy, strengthens bonds, and fills the nursing home with comforting aromas and shared satisfaction.
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Fitness and Wellness Day
Host a wellness-focused day with activities like chair yoga, light aerobics, stretching, meditation, or guided breathing.
Invite a wellness instructor to lead sessions suitable for residents’ abilities, while staff can participate alongside them.
Wellness stations could include massage chairs, hydration stands, and relaxation corners.
Highlighting health and wellness empowers residents to stay active and supports staff in managing stress.
By dedicating a day to fitness and wellness, you encourage a culture of vitality, mindfulness, and mutual encouragement.
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Community Service Project
Organize a project where staff and residents collaborate to give back to the local community.
Options may include assembling care packages, writing letters to military personnel, or knitting blankets for shelters.
Contributing to meaningful causes fosters purpose and pride among residents while uniting staff in a shared goal.
The activity strengthens community ties and shifts focus from receiving care to giving back, empowering residents to feel valuable and engaged.
Community service projects build teamwork, compassion, and fulfillment, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment.
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Photo Booth and Memory Wall
Set up a decorated photo booth with props for staff, residents, and families to capture fun memories.
Print the photos and create a “Memory Wall” in a common area where everyone can admire them.
This activity encourages interaction, laughter, and togetherness while providing lasting keepsakes.
A photo booth adds color and excitement to the week, while the memory wall serves as a reminder of the happy times, strengthening bonds and building a sense of pride and community.
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Gardening and Outdoor Activities
Organize gardening sessions where residents and staff plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in outdoor spaces. For residents with limited mobility, provide raised planters or indoor gardening kits.
Gardening fosters relaxation, sensory stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment as plants grow.
Outdoor activities like bird-watching, lawn games, or nature walks can complement gardening. These activities bring fresh air, physical movement, and joy.
Gardening leaves a lasting impact because the plants continue to bloom, serving as a visible reminder of shared effort.
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Cultural Day Celebration
Hosting a cultural day during Nursing Home Week can bring immense joy to staff and residents alike.
Encourage participants to showcase their heritage through clothing, music, dance, food, or storytelling.
This activity fosters inclusivity, celebrates diversity, and creates a sense of pride among residents.
Staff can also join in, building stronger relationships through shared experiences.
Organizing food tastings or music sessions makes the event even more interactive and memorable.
This activity not only entertains but also deepens bonds, promotes learning, and uplifts spirits in a lively, colorful way.
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Arts and Crafts Workshop
Arrange arts and crafts sessions where participants can paint, make jewelry, design cards, or create seasonal decorations. These activities stimulate creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Staff can join to add a fun team-building element while encouraging residents to showcase their talents.
At the end of the week, display the finished artworks in a mini-exhibit for everyone to admire.
This activity fosters pride, boosts confidence, and enhances the overall celebration with colorful, meaningful creations.
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Storytelling and Memory Sharing
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect generations and build meaningful bonds.
Organize a session where residents share personal life stories, memorable experiences, or lessons learned, while staff listen and engage.
Adding activities like recording these stories or creating a “Memory Wall” can preserve them as cherished keepsakes.
Younger family members or volunteers can also participate, making it more intergenerational.
Storytelling boosts residents’ sense of value, encourages emotional expression, and strengthens connections between staff and residents.
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Themed Costume Day
Organizing a themed costume day adds fun and creativity to Nursing Home Week.
Staff and residents can dress up according to a chosen theme, such as the 1960s, favorite movie characters, or a Hawaiian luau.
To make it more interactive, include a small parade or a costume contest with prizes for the most creative outfits. Themes can be tailored to residents’ preferences to spark nostalgia.
This playful activity lightens the mood, strengthens connections, and ensures that everyone feels part of the celebration.
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Volunteer & Family Appreciation Day
Dedicating a day to honor volunteers and family members is an excellent Nursing Home Week activity.
These individuals often contribute significantly to the well-being of residents, and recognizing their efforts boosts community spirit.
Organize a small ceremony, offer thank-you cards, or host a luncheon where residents can personally express gratitude.
Inviting families and volunteers to join in activities alongside residents helps strengthen relationships and fosters a supportive atmosphere.
This day not only highlights the importance of their role but also deepens the bond between residents, families, staff, and volunteers.